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UKULELE STORES

Another work in progress this one. A listing of Ukulele dealers who have a decent reputation. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE - if you have a store, don't email or message me asking to be listed - you get listed on here if I have bought from you or someone I respect highly has - NO other way!

A couple of other notes - I always do, and will recommend that if you are buying a uke, try to actually visit the store and check the uke out in person. Speak to a real dealer who can help you, and get touchy feely - for that reason, Amazon etc have no place on the list. That said, I know many people for a variety of reasons cannot visit shops direct and rely on mail order. If that is you, I hope this list helps you as sometimes you have no choice. If I have spoken to an online dealer and asked a question about a uke and got a duff reply, then they are not listed here.

And remember - just because you are a big chain retailer of musical instruments, doesn't mean you are a ukulele specialist. Those below ARE. In short - this is the Got A Ukulele hall of fame for great ukulele shops!

UKSouthern Ukulele Store - Based in Bournemouth, an obvious choice for the UK buyer. Certainly the biggest UK ukulele stock (perhaps largest in the EU) - run by people who know and play ukuleles - instruments for all price ranges. Speak to Rob who will help you out. Amazing range, everything from strings and beginner ukes, to the finest handmade instruments. My Kanile'a and my wifes Pono came from here amongst many more I own. Recently became the UK's only Kamaka dealer, and often carry luthier instruments too from the likes of Howlet, John Daniel and Beltona.

World Of Ukes- Based in Carlisle, World Of Ukes is a new specialist Ukulele store (not a general music store that stocks ukes), this is pure ukulele! Brainchild of Matt Warnes, the man behind Uke Magazine and the World of Ukes events and concert tours. His aim is to stock high end very special ukuleles and less of the mass produced garbage. His current stock listings show exactly that. Did I also tell you what a nice chap he is?

Duke Of Uke - the old famous shop in London, recently moved having been dealt a bad hand on their lease. Service these days improved, but again, CHECK THEIR STOCKS before ordering online. (A better dealer in store than online in my view). The store also host various uke events, lessons etc.

Eagle Music- based near Huddersfield, this is a well established music store that caters for the folk musician (in the main). Great service, and the only (to date) UK dealer for Mainland Ukuleles, but also stocking the likes of Martin, Kamaka and Deering too. A nice range from beginner to professional. Great personal service, even if mail order. Check stock direct before ordering though.

Forsyths - based in Manchester - part of a much bigger music store - but with a good ukulele range and people on that side of things who know what they are talking about.

Omega Music - Based in Brampton, Cumbria, stocking a wide range of ukes. Great service and prices.

Highly Strung - I've always been impressed by the proprietor Nigel and in recent years he has really expanded his uke range. The place I have recommended people get the beginner uke ( the Makala Dolphin ) and he will ensure they arrive set up well. Range is aimed at beginners to lower intermediate budgets. NOTE - Highly Strung are now an ONLINE ONLY retailer.

GERMANYUke Surfer- have not ordered from this shop, but it is run by Risa ukuleles and have an amazing range if you are in the EU. I have had well trusted recommendations of them. They are also the only EU registered dealer of Kamaka ukuleles, and Kamaka do not deal with just anyone.

USAElderly Instruments - Not shopped here personally, but hear great things and they seem to have the knack of finding some rare stuff. Besides all the other instruments you will find on this store, they currently have an amazing ukulele range. Based in Lansing Michigan.

The Ukulele Site - based on Oahu in Hawaii - not much you can't buy here in the ukulele world and hugely respectedHilo Guitars and Ukuleles - a great ukulele name, and another Hawaiian store that is famous on the Big Island. Ken Cameron created Hilo guitars, and they have a massive authentic range.

Mainland Ukes - not a store in the normal sense, but the online store for Mainland - I play one, and therefore Mike at Mainland gets a shout out - buy direct!

Mims Ukes- ultra popular store from Virginia - off Blue Ridge Parkway - get into the uke community and before long you all come across Mim who is a fabulous person - great stock range and individual setups done by Mim.

Uke Republic - Well regarded store - a real bricks and mortar shop that also sell their own line of Sailor brand ukes

Why are there not more? Surely loads of music stores sell instruments? Well, yes, they do - but these named above are proper ukulele specialists! There is honestly nothing worse than a chain of music stores who stock ukuleles to get on the bandwagon without really knowing anything about them and ship them out without opening the boxes from the factory. You know who you are!

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got a couple for you baz, bought a lovely gloss finished soprano by intermusic in the uk, model sierra sus-16, looks great, from the music room in bradford,top service. also upgraded to a ka-c kala concert from omega music in brampton, cumbria, came set up and fitted with aquilas, nice sound for laminate mahogany, again good service, cheers keep up the good work i'm learning daily.

Grand site, thanks!Can recommend Muso's Stuff in Bendigo, VIC here in Australia.Had been searching the web for a gift for a player, and (maybe) one for me...After wandering around town for a bit, I ended up at Muso's Stuff where it was surprising to find a dedicated Ukulele room with a generous stock of ukes.The friendly staff member who helped me choose was both knowledgeable and a good uke player - we ended up with a remarkably good Luna Pineapple uke for the gift, and I had a Tanglewood TU4 that is now my pride and joy.Very competitively priced, too.Been back several times to get additional bits and pieces, always cheerful and friendly service.Recommended for anyone near the centre of Victoria who is considering a ukulele.PS There's a friendly and very active Ukulele group in Bendigo too.

All the music shops near me have closed down, so I have to rely on internet reviews and advice from online stores. I have used the Southern Ukulele store and Omega music to date, both have fantastic service and are really helpful.

I have used Ebay and Amazon for second hand kit, but always check with the seller where the Uke was originally bought from, if they say SUS or Omega, you know it will have been setup (at least originally) correctly, though of course there is still risk involved.

I am a beginner with an Ukulele, I have purchased a Kala KA ATP CTG. I have been watching some of your videos on youtube. Love them. I have one question. What is that song you play when you compared the Les Paul to other ukulele? I need your help. I would like to hear the full version and learn to play that. Thanks Kathy

Glad to see Southern Ukulele Store at the top of the list. They are simply amazing and have sorted out a couple of problems for me. I've bought from other sellers, (including Amazon) and have had good and bad (and VERY bad) experiences, but the ukes I've got from SUS have always been spot on. Is there anything Rob doesn't know about ukuleles?

Recently bought a Uluru Kohola from Matt at World of Ukes. I visited the shop in Carlisle and the opportunity to try a range of top quality instruments, (along with Matts own Uluru!), with no time pressures was fantastic.I strongly recommend World of Ukes to those looking for a high end instrument.I have also bought from SUS and again would commend the service offered.

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